How to find a rental in India without paying brokerage

Brokerage can add up to a month of rent or more before you have even moved in. You can often avoid it by looking for places listed directly by owners, and by being clear about what you want.

1. Decide what you need before you search

Write down your maximum monthly rent, the area you want, the type of place (room, flat, PG or shop) and who will live there. A short list saves you from visiting places that will never work.

2. Search on listing sites that show who posted

Look for listings that say whether an owner or a dealer posted them. On RentEase, every listing carries that label and you can filter by it. RentEase itself charges no brokerage.

3. Ask who charges what

If a dealer posted the place, ask about their fee before you visit. A fee is not wrong, but it should never be a surprise.

4. Message first, call later

Use the chat on the listing to ask about availability, deposit and the lock-in. You decide when to share your number.

5. Visit in daylight and check the basics

Check water supply, power backup, mobile signal, the condition of the bathroom and the neighbourhood after dark if you can.

6. Do not pay before you have seen the place

Never send a token amount to someone you have not met, and never pay for a place you have only seen in photos. Real owners are happy to let you visit first.

7. Get the terms in writing

Before you move in, agree the rent, deposit, notice period and maintenance in a written agreement. Our rental agreement checklist lists what to include.

Finding a place yourself takes a little more time, but it keeps the first month's rent in your pocket.